World

Jannik Sinner to miss US Open tennis major due to knee injury

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-21

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open due to a right knee injury that has kept him sidelined since winning Wimbledon. • Why it matters: This marks the first Grand Slam tournament Sinner has missed since his debut in 2019, impacting the competitive landscape of the tournament and his ongoing rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz. • What to watch next: Attention will be on Sinner's recovery and future performances, as well as how his absence affects the dynamics of the US Open, particularly with Alcaraz returning from injury.

**Jannik Sinner Withdraws from US Open Due to Knee Injury**

Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming US Open, citing an ongoing right knee injury that has affected his ability to compete. The announcement was made on August 21, 2026, as the tournament is set to begin on August 30.

Sinner, 25, has been sidelined since his impressive victory at Wimbledon last month, where he claimed his second consecutive title by defeating Alexander Zverev. Following his triumph at the All England Club, Sinner withdrew from the hard-court events in Montreal and Cincinnati, which are traditionally seen as critical preparation for the US Open.

In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Sinner expressed his disappointment over the situation. He stated, “Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year. We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realized that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue. I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there.”

Sinner's absence marks a significant moment in his career, as this will be the first Grand Slam tournament he has missed since making his major debut at the US Open in 2019. Over the course of the 2026 season, he has achieved a remarkable record of 44 wins and only 3 losses, securing six titles along the way. His performance this year has solidified his status as one of the top players in men's tennis.

The Italian player’s withdrawal also affects the competitive landscape of the tournament, particularly in light of his ongoing rivalry with fellow player Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner and Alcaraz have faced each other in the finals of the last three Grand Slam tournaments, with Alcaraz winning their most recent encounter at the 2025 US Open, where he claimed victory in four sets. Alcaraz, who has been out of action since April due to a right wrist injury, recently announced that he will be ready to compete in New York.

As the tennis world prepares for the US Open, Sinner's withdrawal opens up opportunities for other competitors. The tournament will continue to attract significant attention, especially with the presence of top players like Alcaraz, who have been at the forefront of men's tennis in recent years.

Sinner's focus will now shift to his recovery, as he aims to return to the court in optimal condition. The tennis community will be watching closely to see how this injury impacts his future performances and his quest for more Grand Slam titles.

Source: Al Jazeera
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